How long does Raven Crag from Thirlspot take?

Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 2.8 km route, which has 280 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.

Where does the walk start, and where can I park?

It starts at Thirlspot (grid reference NY 306 187). Use a car park if there's one nearby; otherwise park considerately and don't block gates, passing places or farm tracks.

Can I get there by public transport?

Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.

It's graded easy. Fell paths for most of the way: steep, stony or boggy in places.

Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the lower slopes: keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing (April and May).

Michael Graham · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Thirlspot Easy

Raven Crag from Thirlspot

Bagging route Wainwright Out and back

A 461 m Wainwright in the central and western Lake District, climbed from Thirlspot.

Distance: 2.8 km
Ascent: 280 m
Time: 1–1.5 h
Grade: Easy
Route: Out and back
High point: 461 m

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Route mapped on 24 Oct 2026 from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on 22 Oct 2026. For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.

About this walk

Raven Crag from Thirlspot is an easy 2.8 km out-and-back walk with 280 m of ascent, taking 1 to 1.5 hours. It starts at Thirlspot (grid reference NY 306 187). It climbs Raven Crag (461 m), a Wainwright.

Raven Crag reaches 461 m (1,512 ft) in the central and western Lake District, and it's one of the 214 fells in Wainwright's Pictorial Guides.

From Thirlspot, paths lead most of the way to the top.

Great views Dog friendly

Route

1
The approach

From Thirlspot, follow the path towards Raven Crag.
2
The summit

Climb to the summit of Raven Crag.
3
Return

Come back down the way you came.

Summit

Raven Crag

461 m

Wainwright

Plan your day

Start Pace Day

Time needed: 1 h 19 min
Back by: 10:19
Sunset: …
Turn back by: …

Based on Naismith's rule plus short breaks. Allow extra in winter or poor weather.

A link with the route, your start time and when you expect to be back, to send to someone at home.

Summit forecast

–

Forecast at Raven Crag summit (461 m). Always check a mountain forecast too.

Getting there

Start: Thirlspot
Grid ref: NY 306 187
Parking: Use a car park if there's one nearby; otherwise park considerately and don't block gates, passing places or farm tracks.

Directions to start

Bothies and hostels nearby

YHA Hawse End Cottage Hostel · 6 km
YHA Helvellyn Hostel · 6.1 km
Keswick YHA Hostel · 6.2 km

Distances are from the start. Check with whoever runs it before relying on one.

Terrain

Fell paths for most of the way: steep, stony or boggy in places.

Bog factor

Suitable for dogs.

Access & seasonal notes

Sheep graze the lower slopes: keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing (April and May).

Land and access

In England you can walk on public rights of way and open access land. The Countryside Code sets out how to do so responsibly.

Leave gates and property as you find them, and follow paths unless there's wider access.
On open access land, keep dogs on a short lead from 1 March to 31 July, and at any time near livestock.
Take your litter home, and bag and bin dog poo.
Plan ahead and check for signs and local advice.

The Countryside Code

What to take

Nothing out of the ordinary, so the usual kit below.

✓Map and compass (and know how to use them)
✓Waterproof jacket and trousers
✓Warm layer, hat and gloves, even in summer
✓Food, water and a head torch
✓Charged phone; register for emergency SMS (text 'register' to 999)

Hill safety guide

Questions about this walk

How long does Raven Crag from Thirlspot take?: Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 2.8 km route, which has 280 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
Where does the walk start, and where can I park?: It starts at Thirlspot (grid reference NY 306 187). Use a car park if there's one nearby; otherwise park considerately and don't block gates, passing places or farm tracks.
Can I get there by public transport?: Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
How hard is it?: It's graded easy. Fell paths for most of the way: steep, stony or boggy in places.
Which hill does it climb?: Raven Crag (461 m, Wainwright).
Can I take my dog?: Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the lower slopes: keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing (April and May).

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